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Work on new Chepstow school set to start in May

BUILDING work on the new school at Thornwell, Chepstow, is due to start next May.

Head teacher Linda Davies described the news as “exciting” before plans for the new building were revealed at a school meeting last night.

The start of the work will come nearly two years after the school was gutted by fire in June 2011.

Monmouthshire council members have already approved a capital budget of £3.5 million to allow the project to go ahead.

Monmouthshire council has contributed £1,530,226, with £1,969,774 coming from the fire insurance.

Included in the plans are a new reception area, head teacher’s office, interview room, nursery, reception, learning plazas for years one and two, staff room and library area. The school kitchen is also set for a refurbishment.

Monmouthshire council has said the school build has some issues with drainage with are being dealt with. It is working with Welsh Water to divert a main sewer pipe and the council is awaiting details on cost so the work can be carried out in-house.

The council expects funds for the school to “enhance the provision of education” for pupils, a spokesman said.

Mrs Davies said she believes that will be the case when the school finally opens its doors.

“It’s exciting, we can’t really wait. It looks so big on the plans it’s just wonderful to think we will have all that space,” she said.